Join Sir Coxsone, who recently marked his 50th anniversary as one of the world’s leading lights of reggae, as he takes you through the incredible history of UK Sound Systems!

Interest in reggae sound systems is currently at an all-time high, and there’s a younger generation of reggae lovers from across the world building their own amps and speakers, cutting dub plates and starting record labels in greater numbers than ever before. The MCs and “live” mixes that were synonymous with reggae sound systems of the past have returned, and there’s now a wealth of festivals, films, exhibitions, books, online communities and academic studies representing all aspects of sound system culture. It’s had a massive influence on genres such as hip-hop, drum & bass, UK dub and grime, and also left an indelible stamp on fashion, language and a range of other lifestyle choices.

“I don’t think you can have a conversation about sound-systems in the UK without mentioning us,” says Lloyd Coxsone. “We’ve been there and done it, and we’ve inspired a generation of sound-systems worldwide.” The veteran soundman has won every accolade the reggae world can offer, and no other sound-system in England can claim such mythical status.

In 1979, Mikey Dread and his brother Jah T began to play at blues parties and local dances having spent many years under the watchful eye of their father, owner operator of the famous Admiral Bailey Sound. They chose the name Channel One in homage to the legendary Jamaican record label of the same name whose tunes featured heavily in those early selections. Channel One’s mission is to break down barriers via reggae music and just celebrated 30 consecutive years at the Notting Hill Carnival!

Aba Shanti used to deejay on ‘Jah Tubby’s’ sound system in the 80s, at that time known as ‘Jasmine Joe’. Over the last 10 years Aba has been playing his sound, and the music created by his brother Blood Shanti in halls throughout the country and in the process has developed a following covering the widest spectrum of Jah’s humanity. All races. All creeds. All genders. We don’t segregate, we integrate.

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